Stairway to Style

One of my favorite things about homes are the stairways that connect the different floors. Some people like to dress them up, others pretend like they're not there; there is so much that someone can do with the stairway that can compliment the space surrounding the steps. I am absolutely drawn oddly-shaped staircase (below), because they add so much interest to the space, but there is nothing I love more than a classic staircase with pictures on the walls ascending up. Hanging pictures, or any kind of art along the stairs is great, because it gives the space a personal feel, but with a sense of design and a collective atmosphere. Apartment living isn't really conducive for a stairway, unless you're sharing it with the whole building, but either way, I love taking the stairs.

 New York City Townhouse

Aimee de Heeren's Townhouse 

Brooke Astor's Country Home 

New York City Apartment 

Ralph Lauren Store, New York City

Kips Bay Decorator Show House

Connecticut Home

Top photo: Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn's Townhouse

Fight For Luxury

Taking into account that I have a background in business, and a passion for lifestyle, it is no wonder that the statement, "If you are friendly, you will withdraw Mr. Arnault" caught my attention. Bernard Arnault is the CEO of LVMH, Moët Hennessy - Louis Vuitton, and has just bought seventeen percent of Hermes' shares, which is one of the last remaining family-owned luxury brands. As much as I like Louis Vuitton, I would hate to see Hermes go corporate and lose some of its most valued reputation as a leader in quality and craftsmanship.
One of the books on my most recent summer's reading list was Deluxe, How Luxury Lost Its Luster, by Dana Thomas, and it took me through how each of Hermes' famous Birkin Bags were made, and why they deserved such the reputation they have (and mighty high price tag).  Each bag is hand-sewn, buff, painted, and polished, and take several days to make; the average bag is created after forty-eight hours. Hermes actually started out by making saddles for horses, and then transitioned into leather goods to accompany the saddle. Shockingly enough, Hermes was the inventor of the metal zipper also.
Side note, the first three images below of an official Louis Vuitton ad campaign, features Dree Hemingway, daughter of Ernest Hemingway.

Louis Vuitton Ad Campaign 

Louis Vuitton Ad Campaign  

Louis Vuitton Ad Campaign 

Kelly Ripa in New York City

Olivia Palermo from The Sartorialist 

Top photo: Tilda Swinton in "I Am Love"

Murakami at Versailles

I cannot say that I am the biggest fan of contemporary art, but I can appreciate it, and I definitely think that the Japanese artist, Takashi Murakami's exhibit of different sculptures on display at The Palace of Versailles. Mr. Murakami is an internationally known artist, who's work can be recognized on a number of lines for Louis Vuitton. His cartoon/anime pieces are popping up all around the world, and getting quite the notoriety. Versailles is one of my favorite palace (yes, I have a few) and is rich with French architecture, which serves as an over-the-top contrast for Mr. Murakami's work. The exhibit is open through December, so if you find yourself in Paris and are in need of some colorful creatures filling The Hall of Mirrors, take the train to Versailles and stroll around the palace.

Select images from Luxist

Alexandra Champalimaud's Loft

Designer Alexandra Champalimaud and her loft was recently featured in David Patrick Columbia's New York Social Diary, which showcased her fantastic collection of photography, along with her treasures she found while living around the world. Ms. Champalimaud's design career is known around the world, because she designs hotels, spas and restaurants, as well as residential projects around the world. The thing I like most about her loft is the openness of the space, but all of the different spaces within the one space.

All photos courtesy of New York Social Diary

The Savoy in London

One of London's most famous modern landmarks has finally reopened after a three year renovation. The Savoy hotel is one of the swankiest hotels in the city, and it has had that reputation for over 100 years, opening in 1889. The hotel has been host to the likes of George Gershwin, Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire and Noel Coward, along with Harry Truman, Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, Elizabeth Taylor, Coco Chanel, Bob Dylan, and The Beatles.

The renovation meticulously maintained the two design themes of Edwardian and Art Deco; two styles that are not conventionally used together, but compliment each other, when done right. The project was taken on by Pierre Yves Rochon, who is world renowned for his architecture and design work. They are nine suites that pay tribute to a few of the artists and well known figures who made the legendary hotel their London home away from home including Sinatra, Maria Callas, Charlie Chaplin and Marlene Dietrich. All of the rooms are filled with unique art, and literature, thus creating a feeling of being at home.

When I was in London a few years ago, The Savoy was obviously not opened, but I remember walking by it and seeing the work being done but not knowing what was being worked on. I can't wait to go back and see the shinning Deco marquee fully completed.

Houses of the Hamptons

Everyone that knows me is well aware that I would rather receive a book as a gift more than anything in the world. This year, for my birthday, I received Houses of the Hamptons, which profiles some of The Hamptons great houses from the late 1800s to early 1900s. The old-school houses are refreshing from the houses that are popping up in The Hamptons every summer. Each of the houses are reminiscent of the architectural grandeur of old world barons. Most of the the houses featured are not existent anymore, which is really disheartening. If you are really interested in seeing these types of grand homes, Newport, Rhode Island has some of the most fantastic homes in the country, which can be toured because most of the them are preserved by a number of historical societies. I have not been to Newport, RI, but I am dying to go.  And one of my favorite things about the book is that it comes with floor plans for most of the houses!

Olivia Palermo

Sorry for the short post today, but I am very busy today, but I'll leave you with one of my obsessions. Olivia Palermo is one of the chicest New Yorkers I know. Her impeccable style is something for all girls to aspire to. And her apartment is pretty nice too! Below and above are a collection of photos where I think Ms. Palermo is looking especially luxe. I am not sure if Ms. Palermo is still working for Elle magazine, but with The City being cancelled, I don't know any her future plans, but I hope it includes another television show.

 Ms. Palermo for Roberta Freymann

Ms. Palermo for The Sartorialist 

Ms. Palermo's Apartment